Quercitron Oak
Quercus velutina
Last reviewed: June 2026
Quercus velutina is a deciduous oak tree native to eastern and central United States from Maine to Florida and west to Minnesota and Texas. This adaptable species tolerates various soil conditions and provides important wildlife habitat.
Quercitron Oak (Quercus velutina) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Quercitron Oak as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
480"–1200" H × 360"–720" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Quercitron oak is a large native deciduous tree that can reach 40-100 feet tall with a broad, rounded crown. It produces deeply lobed leaves that turn yellow to brown in fall and develops deeply furrowed dark bark with age. This long-lived oak is well-adapted to full sun and average moisture conditions.
Growing Quercitron Oak
Grow Quercitron Oak in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 480 to 1200 inches tall and spread 360 to 720 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Quercitron Oak is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- Drops acorns and leaves seasonally
- Requires adequate space for mature size
Wildlife value
Host plant for red-spotted purple butterfly, imperial moth, banded hairstreak.
This oak supports numerous pollinators including native bees and beetles during its spring bloom period. As a keystone species, it hosts hundreds of butterfly and moth caterpillars and provides acorns for wildlife.
Common questions
- Where is Quercus velutina native?
- Quercus velutina is native to much of the eastern and central United States, ranging from Maine south to Florida and west to Minnesota, Kansas, and Texas.
- What pollinators visit Quercus velutina?
- Quercus velutina is pollinated primarily by bees and beetles, which visit the small flowers that appear in spring.
- What growing conditions does Quercus velutina prefer?
- Quercus velutina grows best in full sun to partial sun with medium moisture levels, though it can tolerate drier conditions once established.
- Is Quercitron Oak toxic to dogs?
- Quercitron Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Quercitron Oak toxic to cats?
- Quercitron Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Quercitron Oak toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Quercitron Oak as toxic to livestock.
- Is Quercitron Oak HOA-friendly?
- Quercitron Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Quercitron Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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